Whether you’re prepping for a paint job, patching up a hole, or smoothing out newly-installed drywall, these sanders get the job done quickly—and with minimal cleanup.
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If you’ve gone through the trouble of putting up drywall, don’t let a poor sanding job ruin the final product. Drywall sanders smooth out raised mud and spackle, leaving an even finish that’s ready for painting. They range in size from small, handheld options to heavy-duty electric models that can reach the tops of walls and ceilings. Since drywall dust is extremely fine and notoriously difficult to clean up, drywall sanders also prioritize dust collection more than orbital sanders, and most larger options can connect to a separate shop vac.
There are a few different types of drywall sanders, each with their own pros and cons.
Pole sanders have sanding surfaces attached to the end of a long pole, making it easy to reach ceilings and the tops of walls without a ladder. These are great for overall productivity, but impractical for small tasks and spot treatments.
Handheld drywall sanders offer more control and are ideal for smaller drywall repair and patching jobs, as well as surfaces with delicate or ornate elements.
Pole and handheld sanders are both available in automatic and manual versions.
Automatic sanders use corded electricity to rotate their sanding pads, which requires much less user effort to operate. They do require a bit of a learning curve though, and if you’re inexperienced, you can accidentally gauge your wall or ceiling.
Manual drywall sanders offer a broad, flat surface to put sandpaper on, but you have to move the sander with just your hands and some elbow grease. Although they aren’t as fast, they’re much cheaper and lighter than automatic versions. You can even find a manual head attachment with a mount to screw it onto a broom handle you have lying around the house.
Drywall sanding generates a lot of dust, so if you want to minimize post-project cleanup, choose an option with a vacuum hose that you can connect to a shop vac. Most automatic sanders feature these hoses, and some manual options do, too. Just make sure the size of the vacuum hose is compatible with your shop vac.
I’ve tackled a range of drywall sanding projects in my career, from mudding and sanding entire rooms and ceilings, to patching small holes from wall anchors. This experience, plus comprehensive online research and expert opinions, gives us the insight to confidently assemble this list of the best drywall sanders. We made sure to only include brands we trust, like Hyde, Wen, 3M, and Porter Cable, and excluded models that don’t meet our quality standards, from user-friendliness to longevity to usefulness for each type of job.
This automatic Wen model includes two different sanding heads, so whether you’re covering wide swaths with the circular pad or running along edges and corners with the triangular attachment, you have everything you need.
These heads are easy to attach as well, so you won’t need to waste time fumbling with tools or fasteners when you want to swap them out. This specific model is also an upgrade from the similar 2017 version, with a more efficient dust hole configuration for improved dust extraction.
The variable speed controls increase overall versatility and functionality, too, since you can precisely dial in how fast the pads spin or vibrate. This feature really comes in handy when you want to be extra delicate and avoid over-sanding or gouging your work surface.
This nine-inch circular pad is compatible with any extension pole, and thanks to a handy hook-and-loop backing, you can remove and attach replacement sanding discs in seconds.
Our favorite feature of this pad is its soft tapered edge, which, unlike hard-sided pads, is much less likely to flip and cause frustrating damage to your drywall. Its steel core not only adds durability, but also ensures that it maintains a consistent and balanced placement on your work surface.
This sturdy construction is especially important if you prefer to remove the pole and use it by hand for smaller tasks.
We’ve used Festool power tools for years, and this professional grade drywall sander is a great example of their dedication to quality and precision.
Weighing just 7.9 pounds and balanced for maximum comfort, this is a great option for those with large, multi-room projects. The brushed edges of the head prevent excess dust from escaping, making it easy for the vacuum hose to do its job.
You can even remove a section of this edging for getting as close as possible to those tricky inside edges, which cuts down on manual sanding time. This model is significantly more expensive than the other options on our list, but for those looking for a professional-grade option that’s built to last, this Festool model is worth the investment.
The 8.5-inch circular pad on this Wen model powers through larger sanding projects, and the textured handles are comfortable to grip and control while you work.
We really appreciate the fact that this handle can be attached to either side of the unit, so it’s useful for both right and left-handed users. What really separates this handheld sander from similar models is that it includes its own dust collection bag, so there’s no need to supply your own shop vac.
You can also adjust the vacuum’s suction strength by using the handle-mounted adjustment wheel. At 6.6 pounds, it’s relatively lightweight, reducing hand and shoulder fatigue during those all-day projects.
If you do start getting tired, you can utilize the included shoulder strap.
This hand sander is a great choice for anyone looking for the control and convenience of a hand-sander, and also has their own shop vac they can hook up to. The included hose features a coupling adapter that fits any wet-dry vac, and at six feet, is long enough to use without dragging the vac around too much.
A simple clamping system makes it simple to switch out sanding screens while you work, and it even comes with one to get you started. Plus, the control valve at the base of the sander lets you adjust the strength of the suction being applied.
Featuring an aluminum handle and head, this manual pole sander is more durable than models that feature primarily plastic components, and still light enough to comfortable use for long periods of time.
The rectangular head accesses corners easily, and the 9.25-inch length helps cover large swaths of drywall in each pass. It’s also a great choice for beginners, featuring a straightforward clamp locking system to secure your sandpaper, and a design that discourages accidental flipping. Marshalltown also covers this sander with a limited lifetime warranty.
Interior corners are notoriously challenging to sand, which is why these Norton sponges–and their angled shape–are such a useful option.
At seven inches long and 4.5 inches wide, these handy sanders are both large enough to get a lot of work done quickly, and maintain a good solid grip while you use them.
Since they’re waterproof, you can rinse them off when they get clogged up, extending their lifespan and reducing overall project costs. If you want to achieve those clean, tidy corners quickly and easily, give these sponges a shot.
Alex Rennie is a freelance writer who specializes in the Home Improvement, DIY, and Tool space. As a former residential and commercial carpenter, Alex uses his hands-on experience to write practical buying guides, how-to articles, and product reviews. His work has also appeared in Business Insider's Insider Picks, and before his writing career, he was a full-time carpenter living in New York City. There, he worked as part of a team designing, building, and installing large furniture pieces, as well as performing a variety of home repair and maintenance projects. Alex currently lives in Los Angeles, CA, and spends his free time exploring the beaches and mountains with his fiancé and their dog Louie.
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